DREAM officials today announced the fight during a press conference with the fighters.

The May 29 bout likely will determine a No. 1 contender for DREAM’s lightweight title.

DREAM.17 takes place May 29 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, and serves as a fundraiser following earthquakes and a tsunami that have ravaged the country. The event also features the opening round and semifinals of DREAM’s Japan bantamweight grand prix. Additionally, lightweight champ Shinya Aoki meets an opponent to be announced.

As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported, HDNet officials are “optimistic” they’ll air the event in North America.

Kikuno most recently defended his DEEP belt with a majority-decision win over Nobuhiro Obiya in October. He’s now won 11 of his past 13 fights, and the lone losses both came under the DREAM banner (to notables Eddie Alvarez and Gesias Cavalcante).

Longtime fighter Nakamura has competed with organizations such as PRIDE, M-1 Global and Strikeforce during his nine-year career. Nakamura, who hasn’t competed for DREAM in nearly three years, carries a three-fight win streak that includes a December flying-armbar submission victory over Toshikazu Iseno at DEEP 51.

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